Outstanding

Cedric_Catsuits

Sarah Michelle's performance across the 7 seasons is in my opinion the very best by any actor in any TV show or film, ever. It is intense, emotional, witty and very believable. Technically and artistically you will not see a better character portrayal. The first three seasons were probably the best, but there are highlights in later episodes. How she maintained such perfection for so long is beyond me - it must require great dedication, understanding and skill.

Buffy TVS is many things to many people, but mainly it is about love and friendship. Buffy and Angel's love story is beautifully crafted and realistically played out, against a rather surreal backdrop. I have always considered the various creatures to be largely metaphorical and mythical in the sense that they are physical manifestations of human characteristics and also take many references from classical literature.

There is no doubt that by accident or design, the creators of BTVS turned what may have been a silly kids' show into a meaningful, involving and everlasting tale about humanity. BTVS should be on the school curriculum alongside Shakespeare, for it is at least as well written, and even more relevant to every one of us.

A brilliant supporting cast around a core of Gellar, Brendon, Hannigan and Head, give lifetime best performances. Writers, directors, set designers, lighting technicians ... just everyone on the payroll ... nobody involved in the making of this show gives less than 100%.

Why Buffy The Vampire Slayer did not gain a wider audience, more awards, and a much longer run is perhaps down to the greatest crime committed in the art of making moving pictures - those pulling the purse strings failed to realise the true worth of the treasures they let slip through their greasy hands.

As long as I live I know that every two-bit TV show that comes along with a wannabee Sarah Michelle, and pathetic production-line vampire rip-offs, will just make me cringe and mourn the passing of Buffy, and of Sarah Michelle who with one or two exceptions has never been given a decent feature film role.

I love and admire Buffy and the girl who brought her to life, and pray for the day when she returns to rescue me from the humdrum banality of living in this world.

score 10/10

Cedric_Catsuits 10 June 2011

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2441568/